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Parks committee recommends timber management at Apple Blossom Park using ARPA funds; board seeks public outreach
Summary
Parks staff recommended using ARPA funds for timber removal and an accessible interpretive area at Apple Blossom Park; commissioners acknowledged the need for staged work, public outreach and pricing details before a final decision.
The Winona County parks and environment committee presented a proposal to use American Rescue Plan Act funds for improvements at Apple Blossom Park, including an interpretive, accessible patio and timber management across about five acres to restore river views and address overmature trees.
Parks staff said a retired Department of Natural Resources forester reviewed the property and recommended removal in several priority areas; any merchantable wood would be sold and revenue would offset removal costs, while slash and branches would be left for ground cover during recovery. “The parks committee recommendation is that we proceed with the removal,” a parks staff member said.
The committee emphasized staged priorities — starting with area 1 and proceeding through identified areas if funds allow — and noted timing should coincide with frozen ground to reduce environmental damage. Commissioners raised concerns about public reaction to visible timber removal, contractor availability and whether aesthetic upgrades (e.g., colored/stamped concrete) should be prioritized.
No final action was taken; the board asked staff to collect pricing and implementation details and to plan communication with the public ahead of work. If timber removal proceeds, staff said revenue from wood sales would reduce net cost to the ARPA-funded project.
Next steps: staff to obtain contractor estimates, confirm staging and schedule outreach to explain the timber-management plan before implementation.
